Event Information

Date and Time

Location

Description

People recover from addiction every day. Families are rebuilt. Lives are restored. But recovery rarely happens in a vacuum. It takes a community willing to stand beside the person, to support them, and to help lead them out of the darkness.

The State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services has launched an exciting, new mission partnering with faith-based communities across the state. Together, we are building a recovery network comprised of compassionate and concerned citizens who are reaching out to those struggling with addictions and connecting them to vital substance abuse services. Your congregation can join this effort.

Attendees will...

Learn about the disease of addiction and understand what recovery is and how both affect the community and how it may be affecting members of your congregation.

Have the opportunity apply as a Certified Recovery Church OR Faith-Based Organization in the State of Tennessee.

Learn about resources in the region and their own community to support their congregation and community members struggling with addiction.

Learn about Substance Abuse Prevention Coalitions and their work in the communities in Tennessee and how congregations can support coalition’s efforts to prevent substance abuse and what strategies address the impact on the region.

JOIN US ON December 14th, 2017 – 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Doors open at 5:30) at Lakeview Church 877 W. Cherry Ave. Selmer, TN 38375

What does becoming a Certified Recovery Church OR Faith-based organization mean?

As a member you will receive information, training and resources. Most importantly you will be linked with other churches and Faith Based organizations who may already be reaching out in different ways. You can learn from each other about what might work for your congregation or organization.

What if we are already doing these things at our church or organization?

THANK YOU! We still need you. In creating a recovery network that includes churches or faith based organizations, we need examples of the great work that is already being done in the region so others might learn from your example. This will also help your ministry provide additional outreach as smaller churches and organizations may not have the capacity to provide what you have. Also as opportunities and information is made available from the State, you will have quick access. Additionally there may be resources in your community that you might not be aware of. Come learn!

Does this mean we have to start a recovery ministry? Do we have to host recovery meetings?

NO! Some may decide to do that. Becoming a Certified Recovery Church OR Faith-Based Organization means at the very least you are willing to better understand addiction and recovery, and have the ability to provide information about treatment and recovery meetings to individuals who may be struggling with addiction. At the very least we hope you will better understand addiction and to learn that treatment works and recovery is possible. We hope you will also be willing to talk about it. In staff meetings, from the pulpit, or maybe during a Sunday school class or when someone on staff or in your congregation needs support. However if you want to host meetings OR start a recovery ministry you will now have access to information and others who are doing it.

What if my church leadership doesn't have time to attend? What if our church is a small church?

They can send an ambassador. Anyone in the church can have the knowledge and start the conversation. It could be YOU. All you need is an interest in learning more. And this does not have to take up a lot of time. Churches often support and comfort people who are hurting, this training will give people additional tools to help provide that support.

Is this only for churches?

We are reaching out to churches AND faith based organizations. While we are reaching out to them, if you feel you can gain something helpful from this you are welcome to attend.